Ramos Secures $1 Million for Computer Lab

New computer lab in Brentwood will prepare families for advancing job market

January 28, 2004

Assemblyman Phil Ramos (D-Central Islip) today announced the State University of New York (SUNY), Long Island Educational Opportunity Center (L.I.E.O.C.) will receive $1 million in funding to establish a satellite technology lab in Brentwood.

"This grant will help working families gain access to the technology they otherwise would not have," Ramos said. "Thanks to this program, these families will now be able to learn the skills needed to get better-paying jobs."

The lab is approximately 500 square feet and will accommodate 24 state-of-the-art workstations, including interactive, multi-media software for 30+ programs in academic and workforce development areas. The facility will be available to the public to enhance job skill levels for working families.

Ramos noted the lab, scheduled to open in December, will provide software for individualized instruction in academics, job skills, and life skills, as well as e-mail accounts, message boards and chat rooms. Staff will be present to offer assistance.

"Only 25% of households earning less than $18,000 a year have access to computers and the internet in their homes, The ATTAIN Project begins to close the digital divide by placing technology throughout the community," said Vijay Macwan, Director, University Center for Academic and Workforce Development.

The Assembly successfully secured $7 million for this initiative at EOCs and other community organizations across New York. EOCs provide job training, college prep and GED classes, technology-assisted learning programs, and access to the Internet.

"This program will help bridge the technological divide between lower- and upper-income families – creating more employment opportunities for our community," Ramos said. "Lessening this gap will help prepare more families for the increasingly technologically-based workplace."